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Hi everyone! I'm new and I hope this forum will be if great help!I currently have a Yamaha T118 and its just not cutting it for me as I'm moving onto grade 8. So I decided to get a grand piano. I like to play with force so my teacher told me a baby grand will be the best option. I've been looking at the Yamaha GB1K and GC1. I'm interested in Kawai's but my teacher seems to hate them. But from what I've seen heard and read they seem possibly even better then Yamaha's! (Because of their technology)Also, I've been looking at some Pearl River grands. And they seem so ridiculously cheap for the size! I was wondering why, can anyone tell me?Basically, can anyone recommend some options of Grand Pianos? My budget is around $16,000 and I would actually rather buy a used piano. (I feel as if they're easier to play)Thanks a bunch to all of you guys!

First of all, don't rush. Take some time to read the posts here and you will learn a lot about different manufacturers. It's an expanding universe. There are ongoing threads with various thoughts about new vs. used.

Check out "Piano Buyer" as it will give you lots of info about purchasing a piano and how to proceed with your search. On the left side of this screen, you can click on the free online version or order the print copy.

Off the top of my head, there are two instruments which come to mind that might fit your needs and budget. Both are new 5'-10" pianos. The Cunningham-Parlour Grand and the Hailun HG178 are very nice instruments.

The biggest thing might be your location. Some areas have lots of recently built, used pianos and other locations don't. Availability of different brands can vary from region to region.

pianoloverus
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Registered: 05/29/01
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Originally Posted By: Jason Zhao

Basically, can anyone recommend some options of Grand Pianos? My budget is around $16,000 and I would actually rather buy a used piano. (I feel as if they're easier to play)

Used grands can be a very good way to get the most bang for your buck, but it is not a true generalization, assuming the new grands are decently regulated, that used pianos are easier to play than new grands. In addition, used grands require more care when purchasing, especially if they are older used grands.

Same advice as what others have said. Take your time and play lots of pianos until you are comfortable making your own decision. I think most new pianos available today are pretty decent instruments and adequate for most but the very capable musicians. Take your time and play everything, and get what you like. Don't let the letters on the fallboard outweigh what your ears and fingers tell you.

Even if you are planning to buy used, play around a lot first to get a sense what you like. Then get an expert tech to evaluate the piano that you would like to buy.

Plug for Pearl River: I got a Rittmuller baby grand which is made by Pearl River. It is a fine piano.

I'm interested in Kawai's but my teacher seems to hate them. But from what I've seen heard and read they seem possibly even better then Yamaha's! (Because of their technology)

I also prefer Yamaha over Kawai, but I don't see why that has anything to do with what you may like. Since you are moving to grade 8, you are much better off than most people buying a piano. You could actually play and decide for yourself what you like. I don't think technology should be the deciding factor. Personally, if technology was that important, I would have bought a Kawai for sure, but I didn't, because despite their sexy carbon fiber action, their pianos just didn't do anything for me.

Forget about what your teacher likes. Just get what you like. In the end, they are all good, so there is no wrong choice.

_________________________Art is never finished, only abandoned. - da Vinci

I guess the obvious to me is that at Grade 7+, you have the requisite skill to evaluate choices for preference. I feel the GB1k is not enough of an upgrade.

Beyond that, I would start with as many new pianos as you can in your budget. There are more than a few that would be equal or better than commonly available used choices. Of course there can be good used choices, but the biggest mistake most people make when looking used is not having real benchmarks to figure out if something seems like a deal or actually is a deal. Also, given your significant commitment thus far, a new instrument that you are likely to keep long term has numerous advantages.

*Yamaha C series (if you like the sound). At this price range I suggest stay away from the G series.*Schimmel*Mason and Hamlin (yes if you're patient you can probably get a used Mason and Hamlin for your budget)*Petrof*Estonia*Kawai RX series*Charles Walter (they're rare... but maybe)*Baldwin

For new I'd add Hailun. At your price range a piano from a top notch rebuilder is probably out, so I'd suggest a piano that's not real old.

Re Pearl River - the ones branded "Pearl River" seem to be strictly entry level pianos... however they do have other lines which some have had good experiences with (Ritmuller, Kaiserberg).

Jason, this is a really exciting time for you! I think a piano is the most personal purchase anyone will ever make, including owning a home. After all, we put our hearts and souls into our pianos so yours should be what you want. I agree with Norbert; your teacher's opinion is just that, an opinion. You need to find what you want and what speaks to you.

Do lots and lots of research. Take your time, read, visit all the dealers you are able. Go back again and again, play the pianos over and over. We all know a piano's touch and sound can change daily. This is almost like choosing a spouse, you have the right to be particular.

My advice is to try to stay with a 6' or more. (My personal "sweet spot" is 7'). Your teacher's comment, "I like to play with force so my teacher told me a baby grand will be the best option" is a bit confusing. I don't understand that one. Seems like a high quality upright would be a better choice than a baby grand. But then, I'm not a teacher.

Check with your technician. He/she may be a great source if you'd rather buy used. A great piano technician is worth their weight in gold!

OMG I'm so sorry everyone!!! I thought that I would receive an e-mail when I got someone to post! (oops)I think my current options are Yamaha GC1 and GC2 or Kawai RX-1 and GE-30.I'm really interested in buying used but the problem is those dealers will scam me to infinity! They got $800 off of me last time!

So when I do walk in there, they will make a bee-line towards me and being the shy and reserved person I am, I have no way to defend myself but for them to drag me all across the store and make me pay extra money because the business man 'helped' me.

I really like Yamaha and Kawai sounds. Yamaha sounds energetic yet soft, but Kawai sounds mellow and calm.Although the touch on the Kawai is very heavy. And I like the Yamaha C Series. I heard that in Edmonton, piano prices are higher.

Yes, I try, but its so difficult! I always was the type of person to rely on other peoples opinions. I like the RX Sounds but I like the quick Yamaha C action.Any other brands that you'd recommend? What should I look for in a used?

My personal favourite at this price range is Vogel 180T, but its above your budget (20kish)... and im not sure if you can find them in Edmonton, you may have to look at Vancouver...

For me Yamaha and Kawai are the best below 20k mark..and they are neck and neck..I would take the tone i like better.. Kawai's action are among one of the best, spend some more time at the dealer showroom see if you can adjust to it.

The other option would be a brand new Hailun grand...they are highly regarded, awards winning Chinese made piano (i think they beat Yamaha and Kawai in a recent dealer's choice award)... for the money you can get a bigger piano. Check around see theres dealer carry them, or Nobert from this forum can give you a tour at this showroom in Surrey